“I have been able to immerse myself in research as an undergraduate, which has given me a very realistic insight into a career as a researcher,” Meijome said. “These experiences have been invaluable to me in determining my passion for research and have motivated me to pursue the MD/Ph.D. degree path after graduation.”

The award recognizes students who conduct undergraduate research but have yet to attain senior-class status. Among his areas of research are regenerative medicine and the interaction of bone and blood cells in formation.

Meijome has been active in several research projects in the School of Science and as part of several IUPUI research programs, including the Diversity Research Scholars Program, the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program and the IU School of Medicine Prospective Physician-Scientist Summer Research Program.

He is orginally from Argentina and is a graduate of Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind.

In his award notification letter, Dr. Richard Ward, director of the Center for Research and Learning, praised Meijome for his involvement with research since beginning as a freshman at IUPUI.

“The IUPUI committee was especially impressed with the breadth of your accomplishments and your growth as a researcher throughout your IUPIU career,” Ward wrote. “We are confident you will continue to grow in your academic career and look forward to the many contributions you will bring to people through your future research.”

This summer, Meijome will attend a prestigious research program at New York University. He hopes to pursue an MD/Ph.D after earning his undergraduate degree and one day start his own laboratory and work as a physician-scientist.